planningtravel

After countless emails back and forth with a safari company, this is the itinerary I'm leaning towards.
I'd like comments on the lodges and the itinerary itself.

Day 1, Arrive Arusha, overnight, Planet Lodge
Day 2, Drive to Tarangire, game drive in the park, overnight, Whistling Thorn Camp
Day 3, Tarangire game drive, drive to Karatu, overnight, Ellens Tree Inn
Day 4, Drive to Serengeti, game drives, overnight, Tortilis Camp
Day 5, Game drives in Serengeti, drive to Ngorongoro Crater, overnight, Serena Lodge
Day 6, Game drive in the crater, drive to Karatu, overnight Ellens Tree Inn
Day 7, Drive from Karatu to Arusha.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to include Lake Manyara, is it a mistake to skip this park in September?

Am I better off spending two nights in Serengeti?

Any comments, both good and bad about this itinerary will be appreciated.

Thank you.

KathBC

In my opinion Lake Manyara can be easily missed at any time of year. Didnt see much wildlife.

rsnyder

Given the limited time available I would also skip Manyara. We like Lake Manyara park but only when enough time to do a full day there. Granted most of the wildlife particularly mammals will be seen at the other parks on the northern circuit, Manyara does have interesting birds some of which are not readily seen elsewhere not to mention diverse habitat within such a short distance.

Depending on length of game drive in Tarangire on day 3 I probably would want to push on and overnight elsewhere. Yes, would have to pay entrance fee for NCA but at least be in habitat where one might have wildlife closer at hand.

Without fully appreciating your interests, this itinerary seems more laid back in regards to travel each day. Seems like a lot of time outside the parks.

planningtravel

Thanks for the replies.

I'd asked for an extra night in Serengeti. My safari company is advising against spending only one day in Tarangire. I think in part because my trip will be in September and the park is at it's peak.

The new itinerary that is suggested is:-

Day 1, Arrive Arusha, overnight, Planet Lodge
Day 2, Drive to Tarangire, game drive in the park, overnight, Whistling Thorn Camp
Day 3, Tarangire game drive - Karatu, overnight, Elneen's Tree Inn
Day 4, drive to Serengeti, game drive, overnight, Tortilis Camp
Day 5, Serengeti game drives, overnight Tortilis Camp
Day 6, Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater game drive, overnight Serena Lodge
Day 7, Ngorongoro to Arusha, depart Arusha.

How does this look? Is this better or worse. I'm now concerned that the game drive in Ngorongoro on day 6 won't start early in the morning.

Any suggestions how to improve the itinerary will be appreciated. Thanks

wildcatzoo

Why would you do the crater drive in the evening of day 6, you can instead do the crater the morning of day 7 and then drive straight to the arusha airport for a flight home. We did that our last trip no problem.

abram

I'd recommend Tarangire Safari Lodge--right in the park, nice tents, lovely lobby, good food--and sitting out on the terrace to watch the animals was fabulous. It's just as impressive as their website.
We liked stating at the Ngornongorno Sopa Lodge; it was right near the descent road, and our room had beautiful views. large rooms, also very attractive lobby, and excellent food.